>>> and why kate and william's royal baby may mean of a big boost for the economy. that is tonight. >>> from washington, this is "nightline," with terry moran. >>> good evening everyone, the day the soprano's pilot first aired, the day james gandolfini became a household name. well, today is the day we lost that vanguard forever. >> reporter: sometimes an actor finds a role that just connects. the role of a lifetime. james gandolfini, who died suddenly today at 51 was tony soprano. for 86 episodes over six seasons on hbo, gandolfini seared america's eyeballs with the portrayal of the man capable of staggering violence. with news of an apparent heart attack while he was in italy, the world has lost not only a very talented actor but also a cultural icon. but success was a long time coming for gandolfini. >> i had such anger, when you're young, a lot of people have anger, you're pissed, you're not sure why. that is probably why you are all sitting here. you want to express something, you don't know what it is. >> reporter: gandolfini began his career playing cold-hear